What is PAAG?

The Pet Advertising Advisory Group

The Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) was created in 2001 to combat growing concerns regarding the irresponsible advertising of pets for sale, rehoming, and exchange. The Group comprises animal welfare organisations, trade associations and veterinary bodies. Defra, DAERA in Northern Ireland, the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government have endorsed PAAG.

Even since its formation, PAAG has witnessed a massive increase in the number of pets and animals advertised online. The ease and popularity of the internet means that the impulse buying of pets has become an appealing option, with people able to search and find an animal for sale at the click of a button. The lure of a quick, unregulated sale also attracts many unscrupulous breeders and dealers to websites.

PAAG aims to ensure that pet animals advertised for sale are done so legally and ethically. PAAG has been engaging with online marketplaces in the UK to help them distinguish appropriate adverts from those that should be removed. We have developed a set of Government-backed Minimum Standards which several of the UK’s largest classified websites have agreed to meet. This continuing work with websites is vital, especially given the current lack of regulation with regards to the online advertising and sale of pets.

PAAG also aims to raise public awareness of the need to act responsibly when looking to buy pets advertised on websites and in publications and the need to do research before making any purchase.

PAAG Members

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Established in 1860, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home aims never to turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners or care for them until new homes can be found. We also educate the public about responsible pet ownership. There are three Battersea centres – south London, Old Windsor in Berkshire and Brands Hatch in Kent. We have an average of 400 dogs and 190 cats in our care at any one time in our kennels, cattery and foster homes.

Blue Cross provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for pets of people who cannot afford private vets’ fees.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is the national representative body for the veterinary profession in the United Kingdom and has over 13,500 members. Our primary aim is to protect and promote the interests of the veterinary profession and represent the views of our members on a wide range of issues including animal health, animal welfare, public health, regulatory issues and employment concerns.

We provide a number of advice leaflets for animal owners which are available to download at www.bva.co.uk

Cats Protection

Cats Protection is the leading feline welfare charity and over the last five years has helped more than a million cats. We are supported by 9,000 volunteers and 260 volunteer-run branches across the UK working to re-home stray and abandoned cats, promote neutering and deliver education talks to children and community groups.

Since the 1850’s the City of London Corporation has played an important role in the development of Animal Health & Welfare. Animal Health and Welfare Services is provided by the City of London Corporation, a uniquely diverse organisation with three main aims –

• To support and promote London as the world’s leading international financial and business centre and attract new business to the capital and the whole UK

• To work in partnership with local communities to increase skills, employment and opportunities for all Londoners, including through the City Bridge Trust

• To enhance the capital as a hub of culture, history and green spaces for Londoners – residents, workers, and visitors.

• Currently the responsibility for imported animals in regards to welfare and the prevention of disease extends beyond the boundaries of the Square Mile to all of Greater London.

The City of London has a resource of experienced, qualified and competent Animal Health Inspectors to offer animal health agency arrangements to other Local Authorities whose animal health & welfare facilities are less extensive. Carrying out inspections in a range of premises covered by Animal Health Legislation offering advice, education and carrying out enforcement.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has responsibility for the development of the rural sector in Northern Ireland. The Department assists the sustainable development of the agri-food, environmental, fishing and forestry sectors of the Northern Ireland economy, having regard for the needs of the consumers, the protection of human, animal and plant health, the welfare of animals and the conservation and enhancement of the environment.

Founded in 1891, Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life free from the threat of unnecessary destruction. The charity has always campaigned on dog welfare related issues to ensure a safe and happy future for our four legged friends.

The Kennel Club is the UK’s largest organisation dedicated to improving the welfare, health and general wellbeing of all dogs throughout every stage of their lives. We offer all dog owners and those working with dogs an unparalleled source of education, experience and advice on dog breeding, dog health, dog acquisition, dog training and responsible dog ownership.

Founded in 1969, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) saves individual animals, animal populations and habitats all over the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW provides hands-on assistance to animals in need, whether it’s dogs and cats, wildlife and livestock, or rescuing animals in the wake of disasters. We also advocate saving populations from cruelty and depletion, such as our campaign to end commercial whaling and seal hunts.

The Mayhew Animal Home, based in London, has a vision of a society where animals are treated and cared for with respect. We help hundreds of animals in need gain a better quality of life through our community-based animal care and welfare, education and prevention programmes.

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) is the ‘voice’ of the ornamental fish industry. We currently represent more than 800 members from across the trade, from importers and wholesalers to manufacturers, suppliers and retailers. Our core mission is to protect and promote the industry and fishkeeping hobby through proactive and continuous representation at local, national and international levels as well as promoting education and training within the industry and among hobbyists to encourage and support responsible pet ownership.

OneKind is a UK-based animal protection charity working to end animal suffering through campaigns, research and education. For over a century, OneKind has carried out public awareness and educational campaigns, produced scientific research and reports, and regularly exposed both legal and illegal cruelty to animals. Many of these actions have helped to bring changes in the law and foster greater respect and compassion for animals, in the UK and beyond. The achievement of modern legislation to govern the commercial pet trade in Britain is one of OneKind’s current priorities.

Leading veterinary charity, PDSA, provides free veterinary care to the sick and injured pets of people in need and promotes responsible pet ownership. The charity operates through a UK-wide network of 50 PetAid hospitals and nearly 380 PetAid practices. To be eligible for PDSA PetAid services, pet owners must be in receipt of either Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit. Last year, PDSA provided more than 2.3 million free veterinary treatments and around 420,000 preventive treatments, such as vaccinations, neutering and microchipping, to pets across the UK. The charity’s PetAid services cost around £59 million a year and are funded entirely by public support; mainly through gifts in wills, donations and trading.

In 2011 the charity released its first, landmark PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, the largest of its kind and the first to measure the wellbeing of our most popular household pets – dogs, cats and rabbits. Produced in conjunction with YouGov, the report surveyed over 11,000 pet owners on the five welfare needs – Environment, Diet, Behaviour, Companionship and Health – defined by the Animal Welfare Act.

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) is the membership association for pet industry specialist in the UK. As a Federation it combines five specialist trade associations under one umbrella group. Federation members are pet industry specialists and include groomers, pet boarders, pet retailers and manufacturers. We are the only organisation to represent all the different sectors of the pet industry: together our voice is stronger.

We offer industry-led qualifications and training in dog grooming, pet retail and kennel & cattery management and organise pet trade events. Membership of the Federation offers a hallmark of quality: all our members agree to abide by sector specific charters to demonstrate good practice.

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare is an animal rescue and rehoming centre and sanctuary based near Lewes in East Sussex. We are passionate about the wellbeing of all animals and are committed to giving them the best possible life. Each year we rescue, rehome, and provide sanctuary for more than 2000 animals. We rehome cats, dogs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and small animals; provide lifelong sanctuary home to horses, ponies, donkeys, alpacas, sheep, goats, tortoises, terrapins and exotic birds; and rehabilitate British wildlife. Our sizeable lakes also offer a safe haven for visiting waterfowl. We have been caring for animals for over 60 years and are very proud of the professionalism of our staff and volunteers.

Raystede is free to visit almost every day of the year. Central to our work is our educational outreach to schools in Sussex and beyond. We also offer guidance to all ages on the best practices in animal welfare and pet care. A further defining feature of Raystede now much copied was the first animal crematorium – ‘Peaceways’ which opened in 1964. As a registered charity we rely entirely on voluntary donations and regularly have fundraising events on and off site for which we welcome new participants and volunteers.

The Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association (REPTA) was formed in 2005 to represent the specialist trade in exotic animals. The emphasis is on reptiles and amphibians but its remit encompasses all aspects of the exotic pet trade from importation, wholesaler through to retail. The core function is to protect and promote responsible and sustainable trade, education and training as well as promoting responsible ownership.

The RSPCA is the UK’s biggest animal charity and every year we rescue more animals from cruelty and danger than any other organisation – a fact we’re very proud of. This work is carried out by RSPCA inspectors and officers, our frontline staff who work around the clock in England and Wales making life better for animals. They are our backbone – without them tens of thousands of animals would suffer each and every year.

A huge part of our work is the direct care of animals – our wildlife centres, animal hospitals, clinics and branches treat more than 200,000 animals every year, and our animal centres and branches give more than 50,000 animals a second chance of a new home and life. For nearly 200 years we’ve been rescuing animals – over that time we’ve built up unique skills and experience in animal welfare. At a local level we work through our branches and dedicated volunteers to give hands-on care to animals, and across England and Wales and internationally we are working to improve the protection given to animals.

The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) is the largest organisation dedicated to improving the health and welfare of the UK’s pet rabbits. Rabbits commonly suffer neglect through ignorance, so our aims are to improve the quality of life of pet rabbits through education and communication. We specifically aim to encourage the keeping of pet rabbits in conditions that meet the physical and behavioural needs of the species; to educate the owners of pet rabbits; to promote veterinary interest and knowledge in rabbit medicine and to support rabbit rescue.

Every year Wood Green, The Animals Charity finds secure, loving new homes for around 5,500 animals. As well as rehoming cats and dogs, they rehome many other animals including rabbits, mice, guinea pigs, chickens and goats.

Our vision is of a world where all pets are well cared for in loving homes for life.
We aim to achieve this vision by providing the best possible care for animals in need, promoting good animal welfare and responsible pet ownership by providing support, guidance and education to members of the public and setting standards of animal welfare in the UK and beyond.

World Horse Welfare is an international charity that improves the lives of horses in the UK and worldwide through education, campaigning and hands-on care. Since we were founded in 1927, our whole approach has been practical, based on scientific evidence and our extensive experience, and focused on delivering lasting change across the full spectrum of the horse world.
In the UK our dedicated network of Field Officers investigate and resolve welfare problems, and we run four Rescue and Rehoming Centres where horses in need can receive specialist care, undergo rehabilitation and find loving new homes through our rehoming scheme – the largest of its kind in the UK. Our international programmes alleviate the suffering of thousands of working horses by providing essential knowledge for horse owning communities in the developing world. We also work tirelessly to change legislation and attitudes to horse welfare through campaigns and education, including our founding campaign to end the suffering endured by the tens of thousands of horses transported long-distance across Europe to slaughter each year. We support the responsible use of horses in sport, and are independent welfare advisers to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and British Horseracing Authority (BHA).